A Thoughts about Lust

A Few Thoughts about Lust

Lust is desire

Evil lust

B1 Sex, money, power, anything to satisfy sinful pleasures.

B2 The more one thinks about their pleasureful object, the more they want it, the more they seek it, and the more they will do anything to get it.

C1 They will seek in themselves. Some ways people work to get what they want.

D1 They will love bomb.

D2 They will manipulate.

D3 They will push boundaries.

D4 They will seduce.

D5 They will blackmail.

D6 They will lie.

D7 They will threaten.

D8 They will punish, abuse, use, control, etc.

C2 They will seek out others who have or do these things to help them.

C3 They will seek, even pay money, to pay those who supply such pleasures.

C4 They will turn to the devil and sell their soul.

B3 A list of some sinful pleasures. Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sins, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

B4 James 1:14-15 NLT Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

B5 These actions have consequences. No matter how one may justify them, there will be consequences in this life and the next. Romans 6:23 NKJV For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Emphasis is mine]

Good lust

B1 Pastor

C1 1 Timothy 3:1 WEL This is a trustworthy saying, if anyone desires the oversight [of the church], he desires a good work.

C2 The qualifications, duties, attitudes, work, methods, etc. are given by God in 1&2 Timothy and Titus. Pragmatic and business models may bring numbers but are not usually in God’s plan. There are wrong motives, wrong goals, and many times fake results.

B2 Kingdom of God

C1 Matthew 6:33 GW But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.

C2 To come. This is the kingdom where God rules. It is the kingdom of His worldview, lifestyle, and rules. It is the kingdom that brings, not necessarily happiness, which is temporary, but joy.

D1 Mark 1:15 EMTV and saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

D2 Galatians 5:22–23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

D3 Philippians 2:17–18 NLT But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

D4 Isaiah 61:10 GW I will find joy in the LORD. I will delight in my God. He has dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He has wrapped me in the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom with a priest's turban, like a bride with her jewels.

C3 To be lived. We can live a life of living according to sinful pleasures or a life of godly pleasures.

D1 Psalm 16:11 CSB You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.

D2 2 Timothy 3:4 CSB ...traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God...

B3 Souls be saved. There is pleasure and joy in

C1 God Isaiah 42:11 The LORD says, “Here is my servant, whom I strengthen— the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my Spirit, and he will bring justice to every nation. (GNB92)

C2 Angels (God’s angels) Luke 15:10 GNB In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.

C3 Humans Jeremiah 9:23–24 CSB This is what the LORD says: The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth. 24 "But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the LORD, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the LORD's declaration.

B4 These derive from pleasures that glorify God and help others with or without gaining anything for ourselves.

Let us find contentment in what we have in this life, in our salvation, and in God’s promises for our future.

B1 1 Timothy 6:8 GNB So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us.

B2 Hebrews 13:5 NRSV Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you.

B3 1 Timothy 6:6 NLT Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

B4 Isaiah 26:3 NLT You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

B5 Matthew 6:19-21 NLT Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

B6 John 5:24 NRSV Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

A Few Thoughts about Lust

lust, Christian life

A Few Thoughts about Ephesians 4:22

Ephesians 4:22-24 EMTV that you put off, concerning your former way of life, the old man which is being corrupted according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created in the likeness of God, in true righteousness and holiness.

A change is the soul/spirit necessitates a change in lifestyle, worldview, rules, regulations, attitudes, doctrine, etc.

Put off is the idea of

B1 There is a difference between the material and immaterial—the flesh and the soul/spirit.

C1 The flesh is called various things

D1 A tent, as a house for the soul. 2 Peter 1:13-14 EMTV But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by a reminder, 14 knowing that the putting off of my tent is soon, just as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

D2 James 2:26 EMTV For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

C2 Our real personality, etc. is our soul/spirit, which is also called the heart.

D1 The soul is more than just breath, as some teach. The soul is the source of evil and good.

E1 Breath doesn’t think and plan and is not a source of defilement. Matthew 15:18-20 NIV But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.

E2 Our breath doesn’t think and know. 1 Corinthians 2:11 NIV For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

D2 The Lord Jesus plainly states: Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Matthew 26:38 NIV

D3 The body can be destroyed but the soul cannot. The soul isn’t sent to hell. Matthew 10:28 NIV Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

B2 We are instructed to not act upon our fleshly desires. We are to lay aside these things. Fleshly desires are the way we desired, thought, and lived before placing our faith into Jesus Christ. Fleshly desires are described in Galatians 5:19-21.

B3 The “old man” is this worldview and lifestyle of without Christ. See Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:9, and “old man.”

Renewed

B1 This renewal is the new birth. Compare the change

C1 Romans 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

C2 2 Corinthians 4:16 NRSV So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.

C3 The evil world is the kingdom of satan, his worldview, lifestyle, rules, and regulations. 1 John 5:4-5 NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

B2 Spirit of our mind

C1 Definitely something different than the flesh.

C2 The spirit is a new creation. John 3:6 NIV Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

C3 All has changed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NRSV So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Created in likeness of God

B1 The image of God restored. When Adam and Eve were created, they had the same worldview, lifestyle, desires, etc. as God. All of this changed when people rebelled against God’s will.

B2 We will see Him as He presently is so signifying having a new body to house of soul. This body will be holy, regenerated just as God has regenerated our soul when we believed into Jesus. 1 John 3:2 NLT Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

B3 1 Corinthians 15:49 NIV And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

B4 Romans 8:15 NIV The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father.

True righteousness and holiness

B1 Righteousness and holiness is according to God’s standard.

C1 1 Peter 1:15-16 EMTV but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all manner of life, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy.

C2 Ephesians 4:13 NLT This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

B2 For believers in Christ, we already have a new spirit. Since the spirit is new, let us live according to this newness.

B3 It is a standard and a test if we are true. 1 John 3:7 EMTV Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

B4 We cannot be sinless but are to be blameless. Philippians 2:15 EMTV in order that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as light bearers in the world.

B5 God is able to keep us. He has many ways of training (discipline) and leading us. Jude 1:24-25 EMTV Now to Him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to make you stand before His glory, blameless with exultation, 25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Psalms 40:3 NIV He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

Psalms 68:19 NIV Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalms 86:12 NLT With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever.

A Few Thoughts about John 14:15

John 14:15 ESV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Judas has left Jesus and his fellow apostles. He has joined with satan and turned against the Lord Jesus.

Jesus brings His farewell message to His followers. This is recorded in John 13:31-John 16:33.

In John 13:31-16:33, the Lord Jesus uses the word love 19 times. 18 times it is the Greek word ἀγαπάω agapáō, which is the highest love. It is a choosing to love and loyalty. 1 time it is the Greek word φιλέω philéō, which means personal affection and personal attachment.

Jesus teaches them that if they really love Him, they will keep His commandments.

The Greek word for keep is τηρέω tēréō. It means to guard in the sense of

B1 Some thoughts

C1 Wuest Word Studies: Keep" is tēreō, "to keep by guarding, to guard by exercising watchful cafe." It speaks of guarding something which is in one’s possession.

C2 Examples:

D1 John 17:12 CSB While I was with them, I was protecting them by your name that you have given me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled. [Emphasis added. The word guarded is φυλάσσω phylássō, which means be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid].

D2 John 17:15 CSB I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

B2 In a sense, there is the idea of conforming our lives in body, soul, and spirit to do His commandments in love and loyalty for Him.

The Greek word for commandments is ἐντολή entolḗ. It means

B1 generally, a charge, injunction, order, command [Source is Greek Lexicon Of The New Testament, Abbott-Smith].

B2 From TDNTa

C1 entolḗ in the General Usage of the Greek and Hellenistic World. The meaning is “command,” “commission,” a. as the command of a king or official, b. as the instruction of a teacher, c. as a commission, and d. as authorization.

C2 Keeping Christ’s entolaí is a mark of love for Christ (Jn. 14:15, 21). If we love him, we both “have” and “keep” them. In view of the basis, the plural entolaí is not legalistic. The many commands are summed up in the one command of love, which comes to expression in the multiple spheres of the obedient life. In the light of Jn. 15:10 “task” or “commission” might also be embraced by entolḗ, but tereín tás entolás means “keeping the commandments,” not “fulfilling a commission.” Comparison of the disciples’ keeping of the commandments with the Son’s doing of the Father’s work shows that a personal relationship is involved, especially in view of the common abiding in love. [Source is TDNTa]

B3 Commandment is the verbal or written desire of an authority and backed by that authority. Law is the sum of verbal or written commands. Command is to one person or more depending on the context, while law is for all those under that authority. It is the set of commands.

Some thoughts

B1 Robertson: Continued love prevents disobedience.

B2 Adam Clarke: Do not be afflicted at the thought of my being separated from you: the most solid proof ye can give of your attachment to and affection for me is to keep my commandments. This I shall receive as a greater proof of your affection than your tears.

B3 One of the proofs that we are a believer is to conform, do, keep, observe the commandments and rules of the Lord Jesus. One of the purposes of 1 John is for us to examine our lives to see if we are in the faith. We cannot be sinless but can be blameless. If we sin, we confess and with God’s help do not sin again. We often do but we must ask forgiveness again. 1 John 5:1-3 NRSV Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

B4 This might seem impossible, but the Lord Jesus reveals something: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever (John 14:1 ESV). [Emphasis added]. Jesus was the helper while ministering on earth. He now intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:23-25 ESV The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them). The Holy Spirit is our helper now. He encourages, reminds, gives strength to resist, protects, etc. Note, too, that He will be with us forever. God’s grace never ends. We need grace every moment of our life. See Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9-12, James 4:6, and John 1:16.

John 14:15 ESV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

B1 With God’s help our love will be seen in what we do.

B2 The standard of these doings is Jesus’s commands.

B3 We are loyal to God because of love, not force, bullying, gun, sword, fist, abuse, threats, etc.

B4 To John there is only one test of love and that is obedience. It was by his obedience that Jesus showed his love of God; and it is by our obedience that we must show our love of Jesus. C. K. Barrett says: "John never allowed love to devolve into a sentiment or emotion. Its expression is always moral and is revealed in obedience." We know all too well how there are those who protest their love in words but who, at the same time, bring pain and heartbreak to those whom they claim to love. There are children and young people who say that they love their parents, and who yet cause them grief and anxiety. There are husbands who say they love their wives and wives who say they love their husbands, and who yet, by their inconsiderateness and their irritability and their thoughtless unkindness bring pain the one to the other. To Jesus real love is not an easy thing. It is shown only in true obedience. [Source Barclay Daily Bible Study. Be cautious].

B5 Let us be joyful, be encouraging to each other, be helping each other, be faithful and steadfast until the end utilizing God’s good grace. Colossians 3:12 NLT Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

We grow by reading, studying, and living the Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:18 GNB But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.

We are to be a light to the world of God’s best ways for living. Ephesians 5:8-9 GNB You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, 9 for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Pray: Psalms 86:6 ESV Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings and help. Give us strength to live for you.

A Few Thoughts on Colossians 1:9-14

 

9 Also, for this reason, since we heard, we do not stop praying for you and asking that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

10 So that you may live for the Lord in a worthy manner pleasing in every way, being fruitful in every good deed, and increasing in [your] knowledge of God.

11 May you be made stronger with all strength according to His glorious power for steadfastness and longsuffering with joy,

12 Giving thanks to the Father who has made us qualified to be partakers of the inheritance for the saints in the light,

13 And who has rescued us from the power of darkness and has moved us into the kingdom of His dear Son

14 In whom we have redemption through His blood—the forgiveness of sins.

B1 Epaphras

C1 Colossians 1:7-8 WEL You also learned [this] from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you. 8 Who also told us about your love in the Spirit.

C2 A Colossian and servant of God: Colossians 1:12 WEL Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, greets you. He is always working diligently for you in prayers, so that you may stand mature and complete in the full will of God.

C3 An evangelist: Colossians 1:7 NIV You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.

B2 The basics:

C1 Paul heard that a number of Colossians had believed the Gospel.

C2 From the time he heard this, he has prayed for them.

C3 He prays

D1 That they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.

E1 God’s will is known by the Scriptures.

E2 There are God’s rules of what we must do and must not do.

F1 An example of a rule we must do: Colossians 3:15 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

F2 An example of a rule we must not do: 1 Peter 2:1 NIV Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

E3 There are principles of what we must do and must not do.

F1 An example of a principle we must do. Luke 3:14 NIV Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.

G1 This is a rule that soldiers must do, but a principle that the rest of us must do.

G2 The principle is not to extort money, nor to accuse people falsely. We are to be content with our pay.

F2 An example of a principle that we must not do. 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

G1 The rule of we must not do is worshiping falsely. Psalm 106:28 NIV They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods.

G2 The principle is not to yoke ourselves, joining ourselves with unbelievers in marriage, business partnerships, ministry, etc.

F3 The book of Proverbs gives many principles.

E4 There are examples of people’s actions that God blesses or does not bless.

F1 An example of a person’s action that God blesses: Revelation 2:13 New Matthew Bible I know your works and where you dwell, even where Satan’s seat is; and you keep my name and have not denied my faith. And in my days Antipas was a faithful witness of mine, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

F2 An example of a person’s action that displeases God: 2 Timothy 4:10 NIV for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

D2 This knowledge will be in wisdom and spiritual understanding.

E1 Knowledge is awareness of the facts and truth.

E2 Wisdom is the application of these facts in a situation to the glory of God in love, truth, and holiness.

E3 Understanding is comprehending the why this a fact is and how it works.

C4 The reason for God’s knowledge is to

D1 Live for the Lord which is what we do and say in accordance with His worldview, lifestyle, and rules.

D2 Living like this results in

E1 Being fruitful which is the result of living God’s way.

E2 Increasing in the knowledge about God, which is God’s character traits known and done by us.

C5 The strength to do this is from God. He is omnipotent and omnibenevolent giving grace to remind us and to complete it. (Regarding the problem of evil see here). God’s strength is so powerful that we can be steadfast in the faith regardless of deception or seduction and to be patient with joy. (Happiness is related to events; joy is related to peace, contentment, patience, rest in whatever circumstance. Note that this is God’s joy, not just joy. It is a character trait of God).

C6 Having this knowledge, understanding, and strength should result in thankfulness. We liked to be thanked for things we do and so does God.

C7 God is the one who qualified us. Qualified has the idea that we meet God’s standards of righteousness. Ephesians 2:10 CSB For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

C8 Our inheritance is to be citizens of God’s kingdom, living with God, enjoying all of who He is, serving and loving Him forever with other like-minded beings.

C9 Light has the idea of purity, truth, holiness in all things.

C10 God is the rescuer. Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man, has been, is, and always will be Messiah. (For more about Messiah, there are many topics and verses. You can start here at Manser’s Dictionary of Bible Themes.

C11 We are no longer in the “power of darkness” but in the Kingdom of His dear Son.” These are opposite worldviews and lifestyles.

C12 Jesus meet all the qualifications needed to be our Messiah to bring us forgiveness of sins. He is a volunteer, sinless, and a human. His blood was shed indicating death and fulfilling the penalty from sin.

B3 In summary, Paul prays for the believers in Colossae to have the knowledge of God’s will for the purpose of having a godly worldview and lifestyle with the help of God’s enabling strength resulting in a steadfast faith, patience, thankfulness, for God’s work in redemption, removal from the devil’s kingdom into God’s kingdom which is an everlasting inheritance.

Praise God for His good mercy and promises of the Kingdom of God which is coming. See Revelation 21.

1 Timothy 6:11-16

 

B4 Live the Christian life consistently

C1 Verse 11

D1 We are to run away from evil things.

D2 We are to seek and cultivate righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and meekness.

E1 The Greek word diligently follow/pursue is διώκω diṓkō. It means to run after and by application depending on the context ideas as pursue, harass, etc.

F1 Matthew 5:10 NIV Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

F2 Following the teachings of false teachers/prophets. Luke 17:22-23 NIV Then he said to his disciples, "The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 People will tell you, 'There he is!' or 'Here he is!' Do not go running off after them.

F3 Similarly, we read: 2 Timothy 2:22 CSB Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

E2 Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, [and] meekness

F1 Righteousness is thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in alignment with God’s standards.

G1 God’s standard. Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

G2 Based on God’s law as given in the Old Testament.

H1 The standard: Romans 8:4 NIV in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

H2 All has been fulfilled by the Lord Jesus: Romans 10:4 NLT For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

G3 We can read the standard and know the standard: 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

F2 Godliness is imitating God’s ways. These are the ways of His character, worldview, lifestyle, rules, and kingdom.

F3 Faith is believing God. God knows how to communicate perfectly.

F4 Love is a choice to be caring and fulfilling the description in 1 Corinthians 13.

F5 Perseverance is remaining loyal to God and His ways. It includes the ideas of patience and endurance.

G1 God strengthens us to do this. Colossians 1:11 NLT We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

G2 Our strengthened by being tested. The Christian life has afflictions, sufferings, persecutions, etc. James 1:3 NLT For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

F6 Meekness is not being abusive, pushy, being stubborn, and demanding your own way. It is not throwing childish temper tantrums. It has the attitude of yielding rather than bullying and demanding. 1 Peter 3:15 WEL Instead, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to answer with gentleness and respectfulness anyone who asks you about the reason for the hope that is in you.

C2 Verse 12

D1 Timothy is commanded to do two things—being vigorous in the battle of faith and holding on tightly to eternal life.

E1 Give vigorous effort in the good battle of faith.

F1 We don’t use force, physical weapons, bullying, threats, money, false promises, etc. to bring conversion. We rely on the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin.

F2 We live the Christian life not because of threats, etc. but because of love and loyalty for Jesus.

G1 As others have said that it is horrifying when our mind changes from thinking about Messiah to thinking mostly about the world.

G2 Colossians 3:1 WEL So then, if you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.

E2 Holding on tightly to eternal life

F1 The Greek word implies a grip like the grip of death. A grip that will not quit.

F2 Here is an illustration using the same Greek word: Matthew 14:29-31 NLT Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

D2 The good confession

E1 Our example is the Lord Jesus.

E2 This confession is totally true, given honestly, believed sincerely, and lived consistently.

E3 It is living as a witness for Jesus and being a light to the world, the salt of the earth in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

E4 There are true confessors for Jesus and fake ones.

F1 True

G1 Matthew 10:32 NLT Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

G2 1 John 4:15 NLT All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.

F2 Fake Matthew 7:21 KJ2000 Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

E5 A blessing and a warning. Luke 12:8-9 NLT I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels.

C3 Verse 13

D1 As the Lord Jesus gave an open confession, so should we.

D2 You can read the good confession that the Lord Jesus gave in John 18:33-40. Jesus answered the Roman governor respectfully, truthfully, and clearly.

C4 Verse 14

D1 This commandment refers to verses 11 and 12.

D2 Spotlessly and blamelessly

E1 Spotlessly

F1 The Greek word for spotlessly is ἄσπιλος áspilos. It means spotless in the sense of cloth with no flaws or discolorations, thus keeping this rule perfectly. Since we cannot be perfect, we must ask forgiveness, but the Lord Jesus knows how we pray to do His will, try to do His, and repent when we fail.

F2 It is also used

G1 For us to be spotless from the world’s lifestyle and worldview. James 1:27 NET Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

G2 In looking forward to the time sin is punished, creation is renewed, and death and curse has been removed. 2 Peter 3:14 NIV So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

E2 Blamelessly. The Greek word for blamelessly is ἀνεπίληπτος anepílēptos. It means cannot be blamed for anything, above reproach.

E3 This is God’s standard. No one can do this perfectly in this life. See Romans 7:13-25.

D3 Lord’s appearance

E1 Paul expected the return of Jesus in his lifetime.

E2 Imminency is taught in Scripture. More on this topic here (The Doctrine of Imminency: Is it Biblical)?

E3 We always need to be ready.

F1 1 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

F2 Titus 2:13 NLT while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

F3 Hebrews 9:28 NLT so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

C5 Verse 15

D1 A time is coming when Jesus will return in glory, power, honor, and truth. There is deliverance or judgment depending if one believes or does not believe.

D2 The Greek word show is δεικνύω deiknýō. It means to reveal, expose to sight. Many times, someone will say, “Prove it. Let me see him.” Well, that time is coming. Revelation 1:7 NIV Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen.

D3 All will know when He returns (Daniel 7:9-14 and Revelation 19:11-21).

D4 Jesus is King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

E1 Psalm 115:3 NIV Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

E2 Proverbs 21:1 NIV In the LORD's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

C6 Verse 16

D1 This is a list of some noncommunicable character traits of God. Only God has these traits. Some communicable character traits of God are traits humans have as mercy, reason, intelligence, love, anger, etc.

D2 Immortality

E1 The Greek word for immortality is ἀθανασία athanasía.

F1 It means deathless.

F2 This is a character trait of God. It is a non-communicable trait; humans do not have it.

F3 We have to have to be clothed with immortality. Only God can clothe us. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 CSB For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. 54 When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

D3 Living in unapproachable light

E1 The Greek word for unapproachable is ἀπρόσιτος aprósitos.

F1 It means literally unable to go to, so unapproachable or inaccessible.

F2 Light is associated with purity—purity in truth, love, mercy, justice, judgment, etc.

F3 1 John 1:5 NIV This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

F4 Habakkuk 3:3-4 NRSV God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. [Selah] His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 The brightness was like the sun; rays came forth from his hand, where his power lay hidden.

D4 Invisible

E1 The Greek word for invisible is οὐδείς oudeís (no one/nothing) and εἴδω eídō (the common word for see/seeing).

E2 Colossians 1:15 NLT Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.

E3 John 1:18 WEL No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, declared him.

E4 Matthew 11:27 WEL All things have been entrusted to me by my Father, and no one fully knows the Son except the Father, neither does anyone fully know the Father except the Son and to whoever the Son is willing to reveal him.

D5 Honor

E1 The Greek word for honor is τιμή timḗ. It means something valued, prized, reverenced, precious, etc.

E2 The highest honor should always be to Yahweh. There is only one God, and He deserves the honor given to a god. Since there is only one God, all honor goes to Him.

E3 We are to honor God because of our salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20 WPNT Because you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

E4 We are to honor Him with our giving. Proverbs 3:9 NRSV Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce.

E5 We are to honor Him in our private and public actions. 1 Corinthians 10:31 WPNT Therefore, whether you eat or you drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

E6 We are to honor Him personally. Isaiah 25:1 NLT O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.

E7 We are to honor Him in groups, public, and before leaders. Psalm 107:32 NLT Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.

E8 We are to honor Him by our preaching the Gospel. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 NRSV Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you.

D6 Everlasting power

E1 The Greek word for everlasting power is αἰώνιος aiṓnios (everlasting, without a beginning and without an end) and κράτος krátos (strength).

E2 Regarding God:

F1 Everlasting

G1 This means eternal:

H1 No beginning and no end. Yahweh is the only being who has this character trait.

I1 Isaiah 40:28 LEB Have you not known, or have you not heard? Yahweh is the God of eternity, the creator of the ends of the earth! He is not faint, and he does not grow weary! There is no searching his understanding.

I2 1 Timothy 1:17 WEB Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

H2 He is life and the giver of life. He is always living. Psalms 102:12, NKJV But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.

H3 He is infinite.

I1 He never changes. He never grows older. He never learns anything. There are no surprises. He has need of nothing. James 1:17 PickNT every good giving and every perfect gift is from Above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

I2 He is the Eternal Now. Isaiah 46:10 GNB From the beginning I predicted the outcome; long ago I foretold what would happen. I said that my plans would never fail, that I would do everything I intended to do.

G2 This is aseity:

H1 God exists, not because He was caused or made by another, but simply exists without any cause.

H2 He is self-existent and unchangeable. There was never a time when He did not exist. Exodus 3:14 LEB And God said to Moses, "I am that I am." And he said, "So you must say to the Israelites, 'I am sent me to you.

H3 He is Life.

H4 Because He is life, He can give eternal life: John 3:36 LEB The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life—but the wrath of God remains on him.

F2 Strength

G1 Omnipotent. This is perfect power and strength. There is no strength greater.

G2 Matthew 19:26 WEL But Jesus looked right at them and said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

G3 Jeremiah 32:27 ESV2011 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

C7 We need God’s grace to continue in the faith. Let us be mindful of that and be careful about temptations. Sin is addictive. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

C8 We must always have a good confession, not being ashamed of the Lord Jesus, His teachings, and His way of life.

C9 The time WILL when all will know for sure—they will see it with their own eyes—Jesus reigning in power. He is King of kings and lord of lords. God alone has:

D1 Immortality

D2 Living in light (a clear mind, a clear conscious, and no evil)

D3 The light that is so bright, no one can stand in His presence

D4 Perfect and everlasting honor

D5 Omnipotence

C10 Questions:

D1 Why are we to run away from evil things?

D2 How do we know what evil is?

D3 Why are Christians loyal to Jesus?

D4 What are some ways we can honor God?

Devotional Notes Romans 6

B1 What does this mean?

C1 What We Were—Dead In Sin, Now Alive in Jesus

D1 The Apostle asks if we should continue a life of sin, because the more we sin, the more God gives grace, and the greater the glory to God for His forgiveness.

D2 He answers, “How can we sin, if we are dead to sin?” Dead people’s flesh is compost, so it cannot sin. Adam Clarke [scroll down to verse] comments: The phraseology of this verse is common among Hebrews, Greeks, and Latins. To Die to a thing or person, is to have nothing to do with it or him; to be totally separated from them: and to live to a thing or person is to be wholly given up to them; to have the most intimate connection with them.

D3 We are new. We are resurrected with Christ (the idea that we are in Christ as in

E1 Ephesians 5:30 NIV for we are members of his body.

E2 Romans 12:5 NIV so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

D4 Note the contrast between life and death and righteousness and sin. ISBE has this comment: In his anthropology Paul uses four groups of descriptive adjectives in contrasted pairs: (1) the old man and the new man (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 2:15; 4:24; Colossians 3:10); (2) the outward man and the inward man (2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 7:22; Ephesians 3:16); (3) the carnal man and the spiritual man (Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1, 3, 4); (4) the natural man and the spiritual man (2 Corinthians 2:14; 3:3-4, Ephesians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 2:15; 3:1; 14:37; 15:46; Galatians 6:1). A study of these passages will show that the adjectives "old," "outward," "carnal," and "natural" describe man, from different points of view, prior to his conversion; while the adjectives "new," "inward" and "spiritual" describe him, from different points of view, after his conversion. To elucidate the meaning, the expositor must respect these antitheses and let the contrasted words throw light and meaning upon each other.

D5 Verse 6, because our old sinful nature is killed, we now are to live according to our new nature. We are a new creation to live by God’s grace according to the rules of God’s kingdom. What was impossible before we believed in Christ, is now possible.

D6 We were addicted to sin with no hope. Now, because of the ministries of God, we are a new creation. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of God.

D7 Verse 12: there are still sinful desires, but by the grace of God, we do not have to obey those desires. In the Biblical Illustrator we have this thought: Meanwhile we must not let it [sin] reign.

(1) If it reigned over us it would be our god. It would prove us to be under death, and not alive unto God.

(2) It would cause us unbounded pain and injury if it ruled only for a moment.

D8 God’s grace and new creation brings many joys.

D9 There is a Christian life we must live.

D10 I briefly wrote about this before.

C2 Are We Slaves To Sin or To God’s Righteousness?

D1 Verse 16, we are already Christians. Now, do we live a life of sin or a life of righteousness? Let us choose wisely.

D2 Sin always leads to death. A person can be a Christian and still sin, but if we continue to live a life of sin, we have no blessings, no spiritual growth, no future awards.

D3 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NLT For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

C3 Questions:

D1 What does dead to sin mean?

D2 When and how do people have a new point of view (as described by ISBE quote above)?

D3 Are we required to live a Christian life? If so, what is a Christian life?

How do I apply this to my life? Help us, O Lord to live our lives for you in the way you want

1 Year Bible—1, 2, & 3 John

The epistle of 1 John, written by John the Apostle, deals with the subject of—do we know if we are a Christian. 1 John 5:13 MKJV I have written these things to you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have everlasting life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.

How can we know if we are Christians? Here are some of the points John writes.

B1 Obedience to God 1 John 2:3-6. Are we obeying the teachings of the New Testament?

B2 A Life of Love 1 John 2:7-11.

C1 Do we say we love?

C2 Do we show the characteristics of love as written in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a?

B3 How We Think and Live 1 John 2:12-14. Is what we think and do the same?

B4 Do We Love the World? 1 John 2:15-17 1 John 2:15-17 MKJV Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

B5 Do We Have Attitude of anti-Christ? 1 John 2:18-19

C1 Do we leave the core doctrines?

C2 Have we become proud?

C3 Do we seek power and control?

C4 Note there is THE anti-Christ, and there are many anti-Christs. These are wannabes and those having the same attitudes.

C5 They left us.

C6 1 John 2:18-19 BSB Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

B6 Do We Affirm That Jesus Is Messiah? 1 John 2:22-23

B7 Are We Faithful to the Teachings of the Bible? 1 John 2:24-25

B8 Do We Continue to Do the Same Sins As Before Saved? 1 John 3:4-10

B9 Do We Love Other Christians? 1 John 3:11-12

B10 Does the World Love Our Christianity? 1 John 3:13-15.

C1 If the world (the nonbelievers) loves our Christianity, something is wrong.

C2 This does apply to the congregation, but it also applies to me and you.

B11 Do We Love Others? 1 John 3:16-18. This applies mainly to our brothers and sisters, so the context teaches. If we can help supply a need, we must. If we are unable, we can pray. We are a family and are to help each other.

B12 Do We Have a Clear Conscious? 1 John 3:19-24.

C1 This is not referring to past thoughts, desires, words, and deeds that have been confessed and forgiven.

C2 Compare the Apostle Paul:

D1 Acts 8:3 NET But Saul was trying to destroy the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

D2 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 NET For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

C3 The evil one often stirs up our memory to torment us, but we KNOW we are forgiven. Colossians 2:13 BSB When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,

B13 Do We Acknowledge That Messiah Came in the Flesh? 1 John 4:1-6. We must make sure we have the right Jesus as the creeds agree.

B14 Do We Love Our Fellow Christian Brothers and Sisters? 1 John 4:7-12

B15 Do We Want to Preach the Gospel? 1 John 4:13-21

B16 Do We Obey Jesus’s Rules in the New Testament? 1 John 5:1-5. There are over 1,000 rules for Christians in the New Testament. We need none other. See Colossians 3 for a number of the rules.

B17 Do We Have Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ Alone? 1 John 5:9-12. Many add some human effort, thought, ritual, etc. It is only, only through grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

B18 Do We Believe in the Son of God? 1 John 5:13 1 John 5:13 PickNT I have written these things to you who believe into the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life, really believing into the name of God's Son. [Emphasis is added]

B19 Do We Keep Sinning or Is There a Change? 1 John 5:18.

C1 Compare King Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33.

C2 Do we and others see a change?

C3 Do they see this change: 1 Peter 2:1-2 ISV Therefore, rid yourselves of every kind of evil and deception, hypocrisy, jealousy, and every kind of slander. 2 Like newborn babies, thirst for the pure milk of the word so that by it you may grow in your salvation.

Some other topics in 1 John

B1 1 John 2:20-21 The Holy Spirit Teaches Us Truth

B2 1 John 2:26-27 Christians Can Understand the Bible With Help of the Holy Spirit

B3 1 John 2:28-29 The Need for Perseverance

B4 1 John 3:1-3 Blessing of Being God’s Children

B5 1 John 5:6-8 Jesus Truly Is The Messiah

B6 1 John 5:14-15 God Answers Prayer If It Is His Will

B7 1 John 5:16-17 Helping each other in this life when we sin.

B8 1 John 5:19-20 Identifying the True God.

B9 1 John 5:21 Avoid Idols

2 John deals with a personal letter urging believers to continue to obey the rules of Jesus Christ, live in truth, and live in love as exemplified by the Lord Jesus.

B1 It also gives a stern warning: 2 John 1:9-11 BSB Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

B2 We to not want to share in their evil deeds, teaching, actions, etc.

3 John is also a personal letter dealing with leadership. There are two type of leaders.

B1 The micromanager, the dictator, the controller, the power seeking person, etc. Their way or no way. One study I read revealed one of the top 10 occupations for narcissists is pastoral. If a pastor(?) is like this, we MUST leave that church. 3 John 1:9-11 BSB I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. 10]So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

B2 The shepherd, like Jesus, is a delegator, not a dictator. 3 John 1:12 BSB Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Psalms 100:2 ULB Serve Yahweh with gladness; come before his presence with joyful singing.